For an instant, Makros did not speak, a murderous storm raging behind his eyes. And then, hesitantly, he released her, rising to his feet from the bed.
"I don't require you to tell me how to handle my family," he said coldly.
Leila panted as the sudden release of his hold left her breathless. He moved with the same calculated precision from earlier as he uncuffed the cuffs on her wrists and ankles. The imprinted red marks made him tingle with desire.
He untied the ropes around her breasts next, releasing them with smooth, controlled movements. Blood rushed back into the sensitive flesh, making her wince as a dull ache replaced the constriction.
"Stay here," Makros ordered. "You will not leave this room under any circumstances."
Leila bit her cheek, bowing her head. She did not want to test his patience now.
He took a step toward the door, opening it just wide enough to yell for Nicolai.
He appeared instantly.
"Guard the door," Makros commanded. "No one comes in or out without my say so."
Nicolai's eyes flickered momentarily to Leila before he nodded. "Si comprende."
Makros returned his focus to her. "Someone will come and look after you. They'll take up whatever request you have. You can ask for whatever you want. Clean up." His tone was almost professional. "You will wait for my return."
And with that, he vanished.
Makros strode down the corridors in purposeful steps, nodding his head to passing staff, his face eerily composed.
A maid hesitated as he came, clutching a folded towel to her breast. She opened her lips, no doubt deciding whether she should stop him.
"Sir, I—"
Makros slowed, his eyes locking into hers. "Not now," he said flatly. "Later."
The maid swallowed and shrugged her shoulders hastily. "Yes, sir."
He walked on in silence, relaxing his hands for a little while before clenching them into fists.
He arrived in his study in one piece and retrieved his key card from the desk drawer. Exiting the study he bumped into Stefanos.
"Hey Makros, can I have a word?"
"Not now Stefanos, I'm in a rush," Makros replied, dashing past him.
Stefanos stood there frozen in silence as Makros hurried off and shrugged, fighting the desire to chase him.
The trip down to the comm room was uneventful with any further interruptions. He stood at the security door and placed his key card. The red light indicator flashes green and the door opens, admitting him.
Inside, the room was dark except for the steady glow of multiple screens lining the far wall. The hum and beep of machines instantly filled the air.
Makros made his way to the terminal, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he accessed the security logs.
Stefanos's key card had been used to enter the room.
Twice.
His jaw clenched as the timestamps confirmed what Leila had told him. On both occasions, Stefanos had visited the communications room when he'd been away.
A smoldering rage churned in his chest.
Whatever had been going on was happening without his consultation. Stefanos had kept it from him.
